It's been two days since we were ousted and reports are coming now that Dona will step down on Friday, Lippi will get the nod AND that Nesta and Totti - who have been persuaded by Lippi will rejoin the Azzurri. Hmm...lol Well, I'm def. happy about Nesta if it's true.

As an Azzurri fan I knew going into this Euro that it was going to be difficult. The group of Death was no joke. More than that, no one had confidence in the coach. The players didn't, the media didn't, the nation didn't and I don't think Dona had confidence in himself. The roster he chose was chaotic. On paper, it looked good for the most part. On the field, most people, including myself, cringed. Dona didn't know what to do. He didn't know who to start or who to start where. In the end, that was his down fall.

At the same time, I'm proud of how far they made it. Fact is, this is NOT the same team that won the WC 2 years ago. It's totally different. Still, they some how survived and almost beat Spain. Two horrific PK's were the difference, but still...no one really expected Italy to 1) Make it to the Quarters after the Dutch and Romania game and 2) Most people thought Spain and their attack would crush a rusty Italian Defense. Fact is, despite being a lack luster team, Italy could have made it to the Semifinals.

So, bravo! We just need to get a younger team together and a better coach - who has confidence.

Forza Azzurri and I'm proud!

Now...I hope the German / Turkey game tomorrow is exciting. I'm a bit nervous. 1) If Germany does what the Dutch did against Russia - change their attacking game plan to a wussy defensive game plan - they'll lose. If they come out balls to the wall...Turkey may not know what hit them!

Number of posts : 846Age : 35Country and city : Bulgaria , Rousse > Now in FranceLaziale since : 1994Registration date : 2008-05-22

Subject: Re: Euro 2008 Discussion Tue Jun 24, 2008 5:50 pm

Funny that ,,group of Dead" was just by the quarterfinal. Italy barely reached the elimination campaign , while Holland was kicked miserably. Dont get me wrong I am Italy fan too , but I like to salute this one who deserve it. I said that after the loss again Holland. Even if Italy drop out , the future is bright to this team. There was a big expectations , but you can not win every time.

Germany is doing EXACTLY what the Dutch did. They're lucky it's 1-1 at this point. They were very very very defensive oriented in the firsthalf and Turkey made them pay. Why are the German's changing their game plan like the Dutch - from Blitzkrieg and goals to Italy and defense.

Oh man, Turkey really didnt deserve that. My heart goes out to them. With such a decimated team, they put in a performance like that against the Germans, their fans should really be proud of their team. But Germany were clinical, and their last goal was rather good. Heres hoping they meet Russia and lose

Oh man, Turkey really didnt deserve that. My heart goes out to them. With such a decimated team, they put in a performance like that against the Germans, their fans should really be proud of their team. But Germany were clinical, and their last goal was rather good. Heres hoping they meet Russia and lose

Turkey were the best at the start and deserved the 1-0 and even an 2-0.But typical German style, 1st chance and goal, 1-1.Second half both teams were searching for victory, but Rustu (he must love Muslera) gifted the 2-1, but this Turkey will never surrender, till the fat (lady/referee) sings ... 2-2 and seconds later 3-2 typical German